Bated breath first appeared in Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice in 1605. Using a shortened form of abated, which means "stopped or reduced," the phrase refers to people holding their …

Bated breath What's the meaning of the phrase 'Bated breath'? Breathing that is subdued because of some emotion or difficulty. ‘Waiting with bated breath’ is holding your breath in …

Bated breath is an idiomatic expression that means holding one’s breath in excitement. Learn its origin and difference from baited breath.

Dec 10, 2025 · The meaning of WITH BATED BREATH is in a nervous and excited state anticipating what will happen. How to use with bated breath in a sentence.

It was a verb used in falconry, meaning to jump violently from a perch to the falconer’s fist. That would often involve a flapping of wings and straining against the leash in an effort to escape.

Aug 4, 2025 · Always remember: The phrase is “bated breath”, meaning to wait anxiously or in suspense. Don’t confuse it: “Baited breath” is incorrect, although widely misused.

With bated breath definition: Eagerly or anxiously, as in We waited for the announcement of the winner with bated breath. This expression literally means “holding one's breath” (bate means …

At its core, “bated breath” means to suspend or restrain one’s breathing, typically due to fear, excitement, or suspense. This physical act mirrors an internal holding back, a suppression of …

Jul 23, 2024 · The idiom “bated breath” has an interesting history rooted in English literature and language evolution. The phrase means holding one’s breath in anticipation or suspense, often …

Nov 2, 2019 · “Bated breath” is an idiomatic expression that means to wait anxiously or eagerly for something, often in suspense. It suggests that someone is holding their breath in anticipation …